The Sunday morning news. [volume] (Jersey City [N.J.]) 1886-1891, 1887-03-06
THE FLOWER KINGDOM.
WOMAN SUFFRAGE FABLE.
YB LOUISA NJ. ALcoTL.

been chosen from the Golden-rod family,
because they were tall and strong, and
loved to rule. Some of them did well,
others were tyrannical or careless, and all
were fond OF money and power. as their
name showed; but the flowers never dared
to propose having any one else, because
this had been the custom so long.
Now there were great many Asters of
every kind and color, from the little white
8 Jars low in the grass to the stately sprays
waving their purple plumes over the mos
sy wall that enclosed the meadow. Those
growing along the roadside saw and heard
what went on in the world, and we're wise,
energetic creatures, ANXIOUS to- set things
right everywhere. So they began to say
10 their neighbors, one autumn, as the
time for election drew near:
eve have had kings long enough; let us
try queen now. and reform certain very
important matters which are always neg.
lected by the Golden rods, who care only
for feasting and fighting and having their
own way. Let US all vote for our Violet;
WHO grows over there in the palace, and
would make wise, good queen
At this proposal the aristocratic Cardinal
Flowers were shocked, and grew red with
shame; the Fringed Gentians shut their
blue eyes and nearly tainted at the bold
idea, and CIamatis hid her face in the grass
that she might not see the unfemnine
creatures who dared suggest such thing.
But the late CloveTs and Buttercups, being
honest, simple hearted flowers, cried, Yes,
yes, let us do it, and give the Asters a
turn, as is only fair"
And the Forefathers' Cup, which grew
all over the field, added:
I'VE shall vote for Violet. 1t is time
the dreadful, intemperanee of the bees
among the wild grapes should be stopped,
that snakes should no longer be allowed
to charm and kill ionoeent birds, that the
battles of The ants shouldend, and more
peace, order, and economy be introduced
into our public affairs. The Asters are
descended from the stars, and so are very
wise; they are also just and gentle, and
we all love them. Let us try a queen,
and see if we cannot make the meadow
what it should be 4"
The Forefathers' Cup were much re-
spected by all the plants, because they
came over in the MeWlo,oer, were very
hospitable, with their green and russell
pitchers always full, and outlived the
frost, like a fine old family as they
WERE
So when they spoke UP for the Asters,
no one dared say much though the Gold
en-rods ragged amsng themselves, and
openly laughed at such nonsense. There
was great excitement, and all the flowers
nodded and rustled as if gale was blow
ing as they talked the matter over and de-
cided how they would vote. The naughty
Cardinals declined to vote at all; so did
the Gentiaes; and delicate Camatis de-
n1o hot oh nn1ry cd i,,nr To
ling to and obey, and never could consent
to be queen.
But the Cloyers and Buttercaps, the
Pitcher Plant and all the Asters' voted
bravely for violet; and the Maple Tree.
that stood in the middle the field, drop
ped little led leaf with V on it, as the
wind wrnt about collecting votes, which
surprised the flowers very much, as such a
thing never happened before, and all
regarded the beautiful, tree as their court
poet, it made such lovely music high above
them. Even the old green Rock at the
foot of the Maple gave bit of its lichen
for Violet, to the great wrath of the Grape
vine, who kept drinking saloon for the
dissipated bees on its sunny side.
OF course the Golden-rod all voted for
their handsome relative, a fine, tall plant
who happened to grow near the Purple
Aster under the Maple Tree which was
called the palace. But the other side won,
and Violet was proclaimed queen with
great rejoicing by all her friends and
neighbors, TO the great dismay of the fool
ish flowers who wanted TIE world to stand
still.
ssWhat are we coming to?" groaned the
Cardinals, red with rage.
sUtter destructlonp' crOaked the Crows,
Tapping away to carry the bad news else
where.
1--WE will never visit her." declared the
Gentians, shaking their fringes as if the
mere thought soiled them.
ssCoarse, unfeminine creature, to dare to
rule alonei 1t makes me faint to look at
her, sighed Clamatis, peeping up all the
same, full of curiosity to see how hand
some Golden-rod took his downfall.
He tossed his yellow head in scornful
silence, and never ence looked over the
tuft of ferns that grew between him and
the new queen.
sit won't last long; she cau't reign alone,
and soon will be ready TO give 1t up.
These silly things will learn good lesson,
and be glad to get me back. So I'll
preserve my dignity and bidc my time, :"
ne said to his friends; for be was fine
fellow, only be did not know yet what
Asters could do when they had the power,
and it was he who learned the lesson, as
we shall see.
Everyone thought that the queens head
would be turned with this sudden change,
and that great festivities would be Esld in
honor of it, so the Cardinals and Gentians
half regretted their resolution. not to visit
, the palace, since they would lose all
chance of sharing in the spleudor and
and showing thir lovely robes.
But Violet lived very quietly behind the
tall ferns, and was so very busy attending
to the affairs of her kingdom that she had
no time for banque's. She asked advice
of the Maple Tree and the wise old Rock,
and soon began the much-needed reforms.
eI,I,n c,noIrna xunra hnnichnd and Tho hirdc